The Energy Modelling and Automation group invites applications from highly motivated candidates for a three years fully funded postdocoral position within Artificial Intelligence for drilling automation systems. This is a fully financed position in the Centre for Research based Innovation DigiWells and focuses on developing safe and trustworthy AI systems for critical applications and associated methods to assess performance and ensure stability in such high-risk AI systems.

Research environment
The Energy Modelling and Automation group works in close collaboration with industry and national and international universities to address key technological needs for the energy sector. Our approach is to better understand complex physical processes and build knowledge and technology through advanced software solutions, leveraging data analytics and digitalization.

The group is recognized globally for its expertise in multiphase flow dynamics in petroleum wells, and has activities also in carbon storage, geothermal energy, sustainable energy systems, and hydrogen value chains. As hosts of the SFI DigiWells center and the national research infrastructure OpenLab Drilling, we are at the forefront of energy research and innovation, advancing technology to reduce environmental impact and support the global energy transition.

The position
We are looking for a postdoc researcher that will strengthen our research group and join us for the ongoing work in SFI DigiWells, particularly in connection with the activities in the work package on drilling automation and autonomy.

About NORCE Energy & Technology
NORCE Energy & Technology is a division at NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS conducting interdisciplinary research, mainly within energy resources. The division has close to 200 scientific employees, organized into four departments, and has offices in Bergen, Stavanger, Haugesund, Kristiansand, Oslo and Tromsø. Research activity in the division has a particular focus on energy savings for the petroleum industry, geological carbon utilization and storage (CCUS) and renewable energy sources, energy systems, and energy storage.

The research group
This position will be linked to the research group Energy Modeling and Automation. This group has a world leading research environment in automated / autonomous drilling and has currently 21 researchers with a background in mathematics, physics, cybernetics, computer science and software engineering.

The group works strategically to apply our expertise in several research areas, with a current focus on petroleum, geothermal energy, CO2 storage, integrated energy systems, and the hydrogen value chain. Our research projects vary in scope from fundamental process understanding to more practical problems with instrumentation and system integration.

Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and focus on energy-efficiency, safety, and sustainability, the group contributes to innovations that minimize environmental impact.

Our competence and close collaboration with the drilling & well industry, has led to groundbreaking research and innovations, such as a fully autonomous system for well construction, a center for research-based innovation DigiWells, and a national research infrastructure OpenLab Drilling.

We are seeking candidates with a strong background in computer science and software development. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and deployment of advanced computational models and digital tools and work closely with both industry and research partners.

Responsibilities and tasks:
The candidate will be part of a research environment with a culture of conducting high-quality, industry-relevant research and innovation in close collaboration with industry and governmental funding schemes such as the Research Council of Norway. In addition to professional development and knowledge building, the work tasks include dissemination of results and network building.

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybernetics or a closely related technical field.

• Competence in research, implementation and testing of AI systems for decision-making.

• Expertise within real-time systems, mathematical modelling, data analytics can be beneficial.

• Strong programming skills and experience with Python, C# is a strong advantage.
  

Personal qualities

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams

• High execution capability and ability to work focused and purposefully

• Good communication skills in spoken and written English

In the assessment, we will place special emphasis on good professional qualifications, but also on personal qualities and skills.

We are looking for a person who will be a positive addition to an engaging and inclusive work environment!

We offer:

• Exciting research tasks in an internationally recognized research environment

• Close collaboration with universities, colleges and industry partners

• Interdisciplinary teamwork and strong professional networks

• Excellent opportunities for professional and personal development

• A varied and flexible working day

How to apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the application button.

The application must include:

• Application letter

• CV

• Diplomas and certificates

If you have got any queries, please contact Senior Researcher:
Rodica Mihai: romi@norceresearch.no
Phone: +47 51875627

Diversity and security clearance
NORCE values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, age, disability or ethnic background.

Candidates must be prepared to provide relevant background information during the recruitment process. Background checks may be conducted for final candidates in accordance with applicable export control and sanctions regulations, including assessment of affiliation with high-risk countries.